Police: Woman left autistic daughter home alone to get beer

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) — A Fairmont woman is facing a felony charge after authorities say she left her autistic and epileptic daughter home alone while going to get beer.

The Times West Virginian (http://bit.ly/2gQZNvP ) reports that 41-year-old Melissa Posten is charged with one count of child neglect creating risk of injury.

A witness told police she saw Posten drive away, striking trash cans and running into the grass as she left. Shortly afterward, the witness says she saw Poston's 13-year-old daughter wandering around the yard by herself.

By the time an officer arrived, police say Posten was back inside the home and had a receipt showing she had recently purchased alcohol.

A police report says Posten was unable to walk and was carried to the cruiser.